‘Blossom’ Creator Don Reo to Receive WGA Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award
Don Reo, a veteran TV writer and producer with an impressive career spanning iconic shows like “MASH” and “The Golden Girls” to more recent hits like “Two and a Half Men,” is set to receive the prestigious Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement at the upcoming Writers Guild Awards. This esteemed honor, presented by the Writers Guild of America West, is reserved for members who have significantly contributed to the television writing profession and elevated the medium with their work.
The award ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 8, at JW Marriott L.A. Live Los Angeles, where Don Reo will be presented with the award by none other than “Blossom” star Mayim Bialik. Expressing his gratitude, Reo remarked, “I am touched and honored to receive this wonderful award. It gives me hope for the future.” Bialik added, “Don Reo is a living legend: a master of the written word and an inspirational thinker and creator. I am honored to be a part of the acknowledgment of his diverse, hilarious, and phenomenal career.”
Don Reo kickstarted his career as a staff writer on beloved shows like “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and “All in the Family,” before moving on to write for “The Golden Girls” and “Empty Nest.” He then went on to create the popular series “Blossom” and co-create “The John Larroquette Show,” showcasing his versatility and talent in the industry.
Throughout his career, Reo has been involved in several successful projects, including serving as the showrunner for “Action,” a critically acclaimed Hollywood satire series. He later co-created and executive produced “My Wife & Kids” alongside Damon Wayans and was an executive producer on “Everybody Hates Chris.” Reo’s extensive contributions also include serving as an executive producer on “Two and a Half Men” for its impressive 12-year run, where he eventually became co-showrunner with Jim Patterson in 2012.
The Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement is regarded as the WGA West’s highest honor for television writing, with past recipients including industry luminaries like Vince Gilligan, Linda Bloodworth Thomason, Aaron Sorkin, and Shonda Rhimes. Don Reo’s remarkable career and significant impact on the television landscape make him a deserving recipient of this esteemed award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the profession of television writing.
